- Convert Liters to US & Imperial Gallons
Liters to Gallons Converter (L to gal)
A container might be marked as holding 20 liters, but you need to know its capacity in gallons. This guessing can be risky because US gallons (3.785 liters) and UK gallons (4.546 liters) differ. Skip the manual calculations and use our liters to gallons calculator to get instant and accurate results for both systems.
What Is a Liter in Measurement?
The litre (symbol: L) is a metric unit of volume. Although it is not technically an SI unit, its use alongside the International System of Units is accepted. One litre is equal to 1 cubic decimetre (dm³), 1,000 cubic centimetres (cm³), or 1/1,000 of a cubic metre (m³).
- It is commonly used to measure liquids such as water, beverages, and fuel.
- It is also used to measure the volume of non liquid items, such as vehicle trunks, bags, and refrigerators.
- It is written as L, l, and ℓ.
History of the Liter:
The liter was first introduced in 1795 as part of the original metric system during the French Revolution. From 1901 to 1964, it was defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water at its maximum density. However, maintaining a consistent measurement was difficult because factors such as temperature, pressure, and water purity affected this value.
Later, the definition was revised to equate it exactly to one cubic decimeter, ensuring it remained constant and independent of the water’s physical conditions.
What Is a Gallon? (US vs Imperial Explained)
The gallon is a unit that is used to measure liquid volume in the US customary and Imperial measurement systems. The US gallon is equal to 231 cubic inches (or 3.785411784 liters) while the Imperial (British) gallon is equal to 4.54609 liters.
- One gallon is divided into 4 quarts, 8 pints, or 16 cups.
- The US gallon is used in the United States for fuel, milk, and other liquids.
- The Imperial gallon is used in the UK, Canada, and some other countries, mainly for fuel and beverages.
History of the Gallon:
The word “gallon” is derived from the Old Northern French word “galon.” This unit was used in medieval England to measure wine and ale. At that time, different trades employed their own specific gallon measurements. The smaller wine gallon later became the basis for the current US gallon, while the larger ale gallon formed the foundation of the Imperial gallon, which was formally standardized in 1824 through Britain’s Weights and Measures Act.
Liters to Gallons Conversion Chart (Quick Reference)
This table summarizes the values of liters into both US and UK gallons. You can check the details below.
| Liters (L) » US Gallons » Imperial (UK) Gallons | Liters (L) » US Gallons » Imperial (UK) Gallons | Liters (L) » US Gallons » Imperial (UK) Gallons | Liters (L) » US Gallons » Imperial (UK) Gallons |
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Liters to Gallons Conversion Formula
You have to multiply the value by a specific conversion factor or divide by the number of liters in a single gallon to convert liters to gallons. You can check the formulas here.
- US gallons: Gallons = Liters × 0.264172
- British (UK) gallons: Gallons = Liters × 0.219969
Example: Convert 10 liters to gallons → 10 × 0.264172 = 2.64172 US gallons
Need to convert gallons back into liters? Try our Gallon to Liter Converter or Imperial Gallon to Liter Converter.
Liters to Gallons Calculator: How It Works
A liters to gallons calculator multiplies (or divides) your liter value by a specific conversion factor. Once you have this value, there is no need for complex calculations.
- Enter your value in liters (L)
- Select US gallons or Imperial (UK) gallons
- The tool multiplies the value by 0.264172 (US) or 0.219969 (UK)
- The result appears in gallons
- You can also convert gallons to liters with this calculator.
Quick example:
Converting 4 liters → gallons = 4 × 0.264172 = 1.0567 US gallons
Frequently Ask Questions
How many gallons is 1 liter?
One liter equals 0.264172 US gallons or 0.219969 Imperial gallons. The answer depends on which gallon system you’re using, so always confirm that first.
How many liters are in a US gallon?
One US gallon contains exactly 3.78541 liters. This is the legally defined conversion factor used in the United States.
How many liters are in an Imperial gallon?
One Imperial gallon contains exactly 4.54609 liters. The Imperial gallon is about 20 percent larger than the US gallon.
What is 10 liters in gallons?
10 liters equals 2.642 US gallons or 2.200 Imperial gallons.
What is 20 liters in gallons?
20 liters equals 5.283 US gallons or 4.399 Imperial gallons. A standard fuel jerry can holds exactly 20 liters, so this is one of the most commonly needed conversions.
What is 50 liters in gallons?
50 liters equals 13.209 US gallons or 10.999 Imperial gallons. This is around the capacity of a small car’s fuel tank.
What is 100 liters in gallons?
100 liters equals 26.417 US gallons or 21.997 Imperial gallons.
Why are US and Imperial gallons different sizes?
The split happened in 1824 when Britain standardised its measurements under the Imperial system. The US had already gained independence and kept using the older British wine gallon, which was a different size. Both definitions were locked in officially and neither country has changed since.
Can I convert gallons to liters using this tool?
Yes. The converter works in both directions. Switch the input with one click and enter your gallon value to get the liter equivalent.
Does this converter work on mobile?
Yes, it works on any device with a browser, phones, tablets, laptops, desktops. No app needed. Open the page, enter your value, and the result appears immediately.
How accurate is this converter?
Very accurate. It uses the exact conversion factors of 1 US gallon = 3.78541 liters and 1 Imperial gallon = 4.54609 liters, the same values used by international standards bodies. Results are precise to six decimal places.